Is your background grey but the colors are inconsistent from the lighting? This works for any color background as well. Try using any version of Photoshop for a fast, easy adjustment in a few steps. I recommend having a color check picture on the screen at the same time to make sure you in the same hue level. Image-Adjustments-Replace color

Isolate the background by using the eyedropper and then increase that area using the +plus dropper or sliding the fuzziness bar. Second step is dropping the saturation all the way to the left for grey.

Easy fast way to adjust contrast- use levels!Image-Adjustments-Levels

I started making my own Oak leaf charms as I wasn't crazy about the ones I had that were pre-made and Pewter. Some of the leaves aren't even Oak. I use little scissors and various vintage tools that belonged to my grandfather. I found some ideas online on how to recreate a tree bark texture- some are from friends so I am sorry for the lack of credit- if they belong to you please let me know!

These are photos of me at the Pechanga Great Oak Tree in 2012 before I moved back to Massachusetts. My primary goal before moving was seeing this epic tree. It was the only thing I really wanted to do and see. I contacted the Pechanga Reservation, booked a spot on a rare trip to see it and another family of 4 joined me. Only 5 of us signed up to see this 1500 (est.) year old Interior Live Oak. I was in awe at its size. I asked the trip leader permission to hug the tree and he said "sure" ! I was glad we got to explore the tree for over an hour and take all the pictures we wanted. I noticed woodpeckers, squirrels and other birds living in this massive tree. We then carried on to another oak grove in small van, a historical site where acorns were ground into flour, a rock quarry and owl nesting boxes! It was a very exciting nature filled day!

Please note: that is only 3/4 of the tree! I couldn't get the entire tree in the shot!

Here is more of the tree! It is that big and still I do not have the entire tree in the shot. It looks like a small forest but is actually just one very large tree!

'Mighty things from small beginnings grow' John Dryden (1631-1700)

Imagine this tiny acorn grew into THAT!

CONSERVATIONThe Great Oak resides on Native American Reservation Land in Temecula California and the tree is sacred to them. They have moved roads further away from the tree to protect the roots from being crushed by vehicles and to have limited human impact.

IMPORTANT 2018 update: The website link I originally posted was inaccurate. I do not schedule or plan or lead trips to the tree. I was just a visitor. Trips are limited and very rare. Please contact Pechanga Cultural Resources for the possibility of a visit at: 951-770-6300 and check out more history on the tree at:http://pechanga-nsn.gov/index.php/history/the-great-oak

It is the mission of Sunrise and Pine Design to encourage hiking and outdoor activities for all ages. I support a variety of non-profits and nature centers by selling my items for resale and the proceeds go to landscaping, trail maintenance, paying staff and educational programs.

I started thinking about new ways to have colorful ribbons or cord for my acorns. I found my answer when I was searching for soft yarn. Some companies make and up-cycle silk garments that are damaged or the actual silk thread itself from the factories where the garments are made. http://www.mangomoonyarns.com/ I purchased my yarn from Webs, in Northampton MA. I LOVE how soft and colorful the yarn in. The bright jewel tones really go well with a variety of outfits. I like how this product is also supporting the women in Nepal. "At Mango Moon, we think knitting should be fun, and that we should try to leave the world a little better than we found it. We work with the Nepali Women's Empowerment Group and a spinners' co-op in Indonesia to bring you yarns that are colorful and fun, and that help improve the lives of the artisans who spin it."